UPDATE: Swanley family dragged from burning home by have-a-go heroes who kicked down front door

John Ranger, 38, founder of Second Chance Animal Rescue in Crockenhill, spotted smoke pouring from the terraced house in Conifer Way whilst taking his eight-year-old son to school shortly after 8am on Monday (June 15).

The animal rescuer picked up partner, Susan Brady, 39, from her mother's house in the same road before the brave pair from Brow Crescent, Orpington, embarked on their life-saving mission.

Miss Brady, who has two sons aged five and nine, said: "The lady was in the back garden trying to put the fire out with a saucepan full of water.

"She didn't want to leave, she was screaming and we had to drag her and her daughter out."

John Ranger and Susan Brady at Second Chance Animal Rescue

In the midst of the drama the two women believed their teenage son and brother was still in the house prompting Mr Ranger to spring into action a second time.

His partner, who also volunteers at Second Chance, told News Shopper: "John went back in to check for anybody else.

"He had to kick the door down and was searching in the rooms and under beds, by that time the flames had started spreading."

Mr Ranger suffered ligament damage in his foot and Miss Brady fractured her left hand during the dramatic rescue.

She added: "John has broken ligaments kicking the door down, I injured my hand a while back and thought I'd get it checked out seen as John was at the hospital.

"I've fractured it dragging people out.

"We're not heroes, it's just what you need to do, like with the animals, it's an instinct.

"If we hadn't gone in I don't think they would have come out."

After being dragged from the house by Mr Ranger one of the women passed out and was pulled to safety by Conifer Way resident, 25-year-old Tommy Beavan.

Tommy Beavan

Mr Beavan said: "My mum was shouting that a house had gone up in flames.

"I was the first one there, the daughter and her brother were trying to put it out with buckets of water.

"The mum ran out to the doorstep and passed out - she was out cold, I don't think she had realised what was going on behind her.

"I dragged her away, down the street, she came round and started sort of singing in African, I think she was in shock.

"I sorted her out as the fire brigade were arriving."

At the height of the blaze. Picture: Paul Cullen

The hero of the hour told News Shopper that he believes the fire started in the back garden.

He added: "I think it started in the back garden, there are oil drums that I think have exploded.

"There were all trees out there but they've gone completely.

"The house is destroyed."

The back garden of the house where the fire is believed to have started

Brick layer, Glenn Davis, 56, lives next door to the gutted property.

He said: "I was on the way to work when got a call to say the house next door had gone up in flames.

"I came straight back and all I could see was smoke.

"The fire crews came in through our house, they kicked the door down.

"Our house is damaged but I'm just glad no one was injured."

Police cordoned off part of London Road for over five hours whilst fire crews worked.

John Phillips, who lives in nearby Crescent Gardens, described hearing explosions before the house burst into flames.

The 28-year-old said: "I heard a couple of explosions and went out to see what it was - my first thought was that it was the gas mains.

"I could see lots of smoke and then the flames."

Picture by John Phillips

A spokesman for Kent Fire Rescue Service said: "The fire, which is believed to have started at the rear of one of the houses, spread to the roof space and extension are of an adjoining property.

"Six fire engines and an aerial appliance are in attendance and fire crews wearing breathing apparatus are tackling the fire using two main jets, two fog spikes - special piercing tools - and water trom two hydrants.

"The cause is not yet known."

A South East Coast Ambulance (SECAMB) spokesman has confirmed that one person was treated from smoke inhalation following the blaze.

Buses are subject to diversion and delays both ways at London Road whilst emergency services deal with the incident.

Route 233 is subject to diversion and delays in both directions at London Road, Swanley due to a building fire.

— TfL Bus Alerts (@TfLBusAlerts) June 15, 2015

Fire crews from Sidcup and Orpington also attended the incident.

Fire Crews from Sidcup and Orpington are providing support to @kentfirerescue at a house fire in Swanley.

— LFB BEXLEY (@bexleyfire) June 15, 2015

Can you see what's happening? Ring the news room on 01689 885702 or email josie.griffiths@london.newsquest.co.uk

More to follow.

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